Corset, girdle, and the like



May 25 c. F. LITTLEJOHN CORSET, GIRDLE, AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. l5. 1925 17 Y zu w J Y T Illl'llllllllllllllllll Patented May 25, i926.

CHARLES F. LITTLEJOI-IN, OF NEW' HAVEN, CONNECTCUT.

CORSET, 'G11-mns.,

Application led September The present invention relates to corsets, girdles and the like and one object of the invention is to produce simple and efficient .fastening means whereby adjustment may be easily effected. The invention is applicable to different types of corsets or girdles but it is particularly designed for corsets made of elastic material that are arranged to be fastened at the front.

It has previously been proposed to provide corsets of this type with means whereby adjustment thereof is obtained by fastening devices arranged in a plurality of parallel rows at the edge o-r edges of the corset and when adjustment is requircd,ithe same is effected by engagement of the fastening devices in the first, second or other' row so that the desired tightness of fit can be obtained. In practice, it has how-ever been found to be a disadvantage when the two ends of the corset overlap and one of the purposes of the present invention is to eliminate that disadvantage.

According to the present invention, the ends of the corset are. provided with the usual stiffening stay or steel on which the c'asps and studs or hooks and eyes or other preferred fastening means are carried. One part of the fastening device is secured to one end of the corset and the corresponding part on the other end. It is now proposed to employ an intermediate separable section or member carrying at one side one part of the fastening means at one edge thereof and on the other 'edge the other part of the fas tening device is carried. The arrangement is such that this intermediate member or piece will serve as a link between the fas` lening devices fixed on the corset edges. By such means, when the corset has become shaped or stretched to fit the form of thc wearer, further adjustment can be obtained by dispensing with the intermediate part so that the fastening is effected directly by the means carried at the ends of the corset.

The invention will be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein- Figure 1 is a fragmentary view showing a part of the corset and the improved fasteningl means and Figure 2 is a detail view showing a modi Yfied form of the intermediate piece or member.

Referring to the drawings, the embodi- AND THE LIKE.

Serial No. 56,424.

ment of the invention shown therein consists of a corset or girdle l having the ends 2 which are stitchec in the usual way to provide pockets for the stiffening stays or steels 3. The latter carry the fastening devices which in the present case consist of the clasps lf and studs 5 and also at the upper end, the hooks 6 and the eyes 7. The latter devices are employed preferably for the upper end of the stays where more flexibility desirable. ln the example shown in Figure l, the intermediate member 8 is provided with clasps and studs l and 5, also hoolrs and eyes (5 and 7 and this piece or inenlber 8 is covered with a suitable fabric. The member 8 is composed of separate stays arranged parallel to each other and which are contained within a pocket or pockets formed by stitching` said member along its length between said stays or at one edge if the fastening devices permit of such stitching.

In the example illustrated by Figure 2, the separable or intermediate member 8 is composed of one piece having slotted ends 9 in order that the member may be more flexible to meet the demand for a corset which has more flexibiity at the upper and lower ends. Furthermore, the member 8 in this modification need not be covered with fabric, instead the same may be coated with a suitable elastic enamel.

lt will be understood, aft-er the corset or the like has been worn for a comparatively short time, the material of which the corset is made is inclined to stretch and consequently adjustment is necessary to more closely fit the body of the wearer. To accomplish this adjust-ment the intermediate piece is bodily removed and since the said member is in use only for a comparativeiy short time, it need not be constructed to stand long use therefore the cheapness of its production is a consideration. vWhen the separable piece 8 is removed the corset ends may be fastened directly by the devices thereon. The intermediate piece 8 may be composed of the same material as the stays, that is a thin gage of sheet steel or if desired said member may be composed of any suitable material which will give the required stiffness to the front of the corset.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made which will come within the spirit of the present invention and it is therefore intended that any modification Comingfairly within the terms of the appended Claims shell be eei'ered thereby.

claiml. ln u corset or `girdle z'is described, an intermediate separable member adapted to form e connection between the endsof the Corset or girdle, said member being` composed et lexibe sheet material and said member having Vertical open slotted ends whereby increased flexibility of said 1nember at said ends is obtained.

2. ln :i corset 0r girdle as described, an

intern'iediate separable member adapted te 'loi-in e. connection between the ends of the corset er girdle, said member being` Composed of flexible sheet material coated with an elastic enamel and said .member haring vertical open slotted ends whereby increased flexibility of siid member at said ends is obtained.

v Signed zit New Haven, county of New Haven, State o Connecticut, the lil-th dey of September, 1925.

CHARLES F. LITTLEJGHN. 

